Karl Urban Calls Thor: Ragnarok’s Skurge ‘A Survivalist’

Karl Urban will make his Marvel Cinematic Universe debut this fall in Thor: Ragnarok as the Asgardian warrior Skurge, and the actor is offering some new insight into the character’s motivations. Though much about the film remains under wraps, we do know that Skurge aligns himself with the villainous Hela (Cate Blanchett), assisting her in her conquest of Asgard and betraying his people in the process. A certain Thunder God is probably going to have a problem with that.

In the comic books, Skurge has been both an enemy and ally to Thor. So why does he throw his lot in with Hela in Ragnarok? It’s not out of any inherent villainy or ill will towards his people, at least not according to Urban.

Related: The 3 Reasons Cate Blanchett Wanted To Be In Thor: Ragnarok

Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Urban explained that Skurge is simply making the same choice most people in his situation would make:

“Then Hela turns up, and Skurge quickly realizes that he either has to join her or die. He’s not the sharpest tool in the shed, but he’s bright enough to make the right choice for him. He’s a survivalist.”

It’s important to remember that Skurge is just a “normal” Asgardian. He’s not a God like Thor or Loki, so although he’s an accomplished warrior, he stands no chance in a fight with the Goddess of Death. When Hela shows up on Asgard, then, Skurge has a choice to make, and he probably has to make it quickly: as Urban said, “join her or die”. Of course, that doesn’t forgive his betrayal, and Thor probably won’t be pulling any of his punches when the two inevitably square off. But it does mean viewers should keep their eyes on him as Ragnarok’s story progresses.

Skurge may be on the wrong side of things, but he clearly feels no particular loyalty to his new boss. He’s with her because the alternative is death, so when Thor and his makeshift team of Loki, Valkyrie, and Hulk arrive to even the odds, will Skurge be forced to reevaluate his position? Considering the character’s path in the comics, there’s every chance Skurge will make a late shift of allegiances, and ultimately decide to put the fate of his homeland before himself.

Whatever Skurge’s journey in Ragnarok entails, fans can be sure that Urban will deliver a convincing performance, just as he has in films like Star Trek, Dredd and The Lord of the Rings.

Next: Thor 3: Tessa Thompson Slams Male Writers Writing Female Characters

Source: Los Angeles Times

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